What ingredients do I need to make Sesame Cashew Chicken at home?

To make Sesame Cashew Chicken, you’ll need boneless chicken breast or thigh pieces, cashew nuts, sesame seeds, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers and green onions are often added for extra flavor and texture. These ingredients combine to create a savory and slightly sweet dish with a satisfying crunch from the cashews and a nutty aroma from the sesame seeds.

How do I cook Sesame Cashew Chicken so the chicken stays tender?

For tender Sesame Cashew Chicken, start by cutting the chicken into evenly sized pieces and marinating them briefly in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a little oil. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat to sear it quickly, avoiding overcooking which can dry it out. Stir-frying in small batches helps maintain juiciness. Adding the sauce after the chicken is mostly cooked allows it to coat without making the meat tough.

Can I make Sesame Cashew Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, you can make gluten-free Sesame Cashew Chicken by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free or substitute with a gluten-free alternative like a mix of tamari, hoisin-style sauce, and a touch of honey for sweetness. Always check labels on packaged ingredients to avoid hidden gluten, especially in sauces and condiments.

What are some easy side dishes to serve with Sesame Cashew Chicken?

Sesame Cashew Chicken pairs well with steamed white or brown rice, fried rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Simple stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy complement the dish’s flavors without overpowering it. A light Asian-style cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil can also add a refreshing contrast.

How long can I store leftover Sesame Cashew Chicken and what’s the best way to reheat it?

Leftover Sesame Cashew Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a teaspoon of water if needed to restore some moisture. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as this can dry out the chicken. Reheating on the stovetop helps keep the cashews crunchy and the chicken tender.

Sesame Cashew Chicken With Dates & Cashews: Nutty Recipe

Name: Sesame Cashew Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 Tbsp toasted Asian sesame oil, divided; 1 x 12-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and cut into about 12 coin-shaped slices (or minced); 6-8 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed; 1 bunch scallions, white and green parts cut into 2-inch lengths; 3-4 dried red chilies, or 1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to heat preference); 2 lb (approximately 900 g) boneless chicken thighs, skin on or skinless, cut into 2-inch chunks; 1/2 cup (approximately 70 g) toasted cashews; 1/3 cup (approximately 80 ml) rice wine or dry sherry; 3 Tbsp dark soy sauce or tamari; 4 pitted dates, thinly sliced (add more for extra sweetness); 3 cups fresh basil and/or cilantro leaves, loosely packed; Rice vinegar or fresh lime juice, to taste; Cooked rice, for serving

Description

🍗 This sesame‑ginger chicken stir‑fry delivers sweet, nutty flavor in a quick, one‑pan dish.
🌰 The combination of cashews and dates adds texture and natural sweetness for a crowd‑pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

4 Tbsp toasted Asian sesame oil, divided

1 x 12-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and cut into about 12 coin-shaped slices (or minced)

6–8 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed

1 bunch scallions, white and green parts cut into 2-inch lengths

3–4 dried red chilies, or 1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)

2 lb (approximately 900 g) boneless chicken thighs, skin on or skinless, cut into 2-inch chunks

1/2 cup (approximately 70 g) toasted cashews

1/3 cup (approximately 80 ml) rice wine or dry sherry

3 Tbsp dark soy sauce or tamari

4 pitted dates, thinly sliced (add more for extra sweetness)

3 cups fresh basil and/or cilantro leaves, loosely packed

Rice vinegar or fresh lime juice, to taste

Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1-Gathering and Prepping Your Ingredients: Start your Sesame Cashew Chicken adventure by preparing all your ingredients, as this sets the stage for smooth cooking. Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks and lightly seasoning them with salt and pepper for even flavor distribution. In a bowl, mix together the rice wine, dark soy sauce, and sliced dates to create a savory base that will coat the chicken beautifully.

2-Next, peel and prepare your ginger and garlic, deciding whether to slice the ginger into coins or mince it for a smoother texture. This step ensures everything is ready to go, preventing any pauses during the stir-fry process. Once prepped, heat your skillet or wok over high heat for at least 2 minutes to get it nice and hot, then add half of the sesame oil and swirl it around to coat the surface.

3-This initial heating is crucial for that perfect sear, so don’t rush it. As an external reference, check out https://www.thespruceeats.com/simple-stir-fry-tips-4687379 for more tips on achieving the best results.

4-The Cooking Process: Now that your setup is complete, dive into the cooking with confidence. When the oil in the skillet thins out, add the ginger, garlic, scallions, and chilies, stir-frying them for 2-3 minutes until the garlic turns golden brown for that aromatic punch. This step builds the flavor foundation, so keep stirring to avoid burning.

5-Add the remaining sesame oil, chicken chunks, and toasted cashews to the pan, stir-frying for 4-5 minutes to let the chicken brown evenly; if the cashews start browning too fast, lower the heat a bit to maintain balance. Once the chicken is nearly cooked, pour in your sauce mixture and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens into a syrupy glaze.

6-Finish by tossing in the fresh basil and cilantro leaves, then add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice to brighten the flavors. Serve it hot over cooked rice for a complete meal. This method ensures tender chicken every time, as shared in tips from experienced cooks.

Notes

🔥 If the skillet is small, cook the chicken in two batches to ensure proper browning.
🥩 For a leaner option, use chicken breast and reduce the initial stir‑fry time to about 2 minutes before adding the wine.
🍯 Double the dates if you prefer a sweeter glaze and adjust the vinegar or lime juice to keep the balance.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stir‑Fry
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup chicken mixture with rice)
Calories: 605
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 569 mg
Fat: 40 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: sesame chicken, cashew dates, sweet nutty, stir-fry